#NoKidsInPrison Principles

We believe locking up kids is wrong, no matter what they’ve done. It just doesn’t work. When young people mess up, they deserve a second chance. We’re fighting for a world where those who’ve been hurt can heal and find their place in the community, and those who’ve caused harm are accountable to the community and its members—not cops or prison.

We support policies that get young people out of jail and we put money into programs and policies that actually help them, plain and simple. We know ending the system of locking people up takes time, but we won’t support anything that keeps things the same.

We believe strong communities, where everyone has what they need to succeed, are key to ending incarceration. That means investing in quality schools, healthy and accessible food, safe housing, and health care for everyone.

Prisons and jails don’t work. We need to create new solutions that address harm and violence and actually help people grow and change. Importantly, communities need to be in control of those solutions. We’re about investing in programs that put people first and prioritize healing, not punishment.

We believe in the collaborative cultivation of youth power. We partner with young leaders to support their capacity to effect change in their communities.

Strategic rigor and excellence are fundamental to our approach. We commit to best practices and expert collaboration in every campaign we promote and support.

Racial justice is a cornerstone of our work. This principle directs our efforts, ensuring that racial equity is integrated into all aspects of our campaigns.

We’re committed to  community reinvestment because it is crucial to creating sustainable alternatives to youth incarceration.